About the Book
Imagine if you presented one patient to eleven different analysts. Would you get relatively similar or completely diverse treatment approaches? In this remarkably unique book, Virginia Hunter does just that, presenting an analytic session she conducted with a borderline patient to eleven prestigious psychoanalysts. Then, taking this idea one step further, she delves into the individual histories of each of these master clinicians, exploring the close relationship between the clinical practice and theoretical foundations of psychoanalysis and the factors that influence it.
In provocative, compelling interviews, the clinicians talk candidly about their backgrounds, their personal myths and ideals, their cultural and educational experiences, and their encounters with social and analytic politics. Hunter demonstrates how these varied factors have influenced each analyst's choice of vocation, and contributed to the development of their theories of the mind, as well as their allegiance to the approaches they have adhered to throughout their professional careers. The book features in-depth discussions with such distinguished analysts as Andre Green, Hanna Segal, Frances Tustin, John Bowlby, Ernest Wolf, Peter Giovacchini, Arnold Goldberg, Rudolf Ekstein, Robert Wallerstein, Arnold Modell and Jacob Arlow. By creating this unusual dialogue, Hunter illustrates how theories of psychoanalysis are constructed, sustained, and passed along throughout generations of analysts. In addition, she compiles these theories into a chart, and presents a clear and concise sample of the different psychoanalytic theories that underlie the statements and points of view of the eleven analysts consulted.
Providing a profound and enlightening journey into the minds of gifted analysts, and illustrating their differences in emphasis as well as the continuity in their approaches, Psychoanalysts Talk is important reading for any clinician practicing psychoanalysis. Similarly, this book is illuminating for lay readers interested in learning how varied theories of the mind may be useful in understanding a patient and conducting analysis. And finally, the book shows in an illuminating way how many creative possibilities exist in each analytic encounter.
About the Author :
Virginia Hunter, L.C.S.W., Ph.D., practices psychoanalysis and psychotherapy with individuals, couples, families, and groups in Long Beach, California. Her special clinical and research interests include learning difficulties, blocks to creativity, psychosomatic illness, depression, and anxiety.
Review :
"This...will undoubtedly be a valuable and essential part of the library of trainee, trainer and practitioner alike." --John Duncan in Journal of Mental Health "Nearly all clinicians entertain the fantasy of presenting their most difficult case to a master clinician....Virginia Hunter's exposition is a realization of this daydream taken to unexpected and extraordinary ends. Over the course of 5 years, she met with eleven of the most esteemed psychoanalysts of the contemporary period to review one of her most challenging, recalcitrant psychoanalytic patients. Her interviews and case discussion with these individuals...are fascinating preambles to each analyst's fundamental theoretical concepts and ways of working with formidable clinical problems....This is one of those rare books that has something for everybody. For clinical homily, it is a gem. Look with each clinician's periscope, and your work is sure to improve. Do not expect theoretical obfuscation. The chapters are actual conversations and can be savored with a lemonade on a warm summer's day. By the same token, each contribution is substantial enough to inspire a range of reflections by the most discriminating reader...." --Kathryn J. Zerbe MD, The Menninger Clinic in Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic
"This original and creatively conceived book is a joy to read, to enjoy, and to reflect on...we must thank Dr. Hunter for her superb work. I plan to use this book, I hope, in a variety of teaching situations in the future..." --Dr. Roman N. Anshin, Journal of American Academy of Psychoanalysis
"Eleven noted psychoanalysts talked and talked and talked to Virginia Hunter, a California psychoanalyst and psychotherapist who videorecorded their remarks and has now presented them verbatim in this unique and enriching volume....Hunter has given us a valuable resource for historians of contemporary psychoanalysis and a statement of the variegated psychoanalytic enterprise....More books like this are needed, but meanwhile we have Virginia Hunter's splendid contribution." --Joseph Reppen in Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association
"It was a joy to read a book on psychoanalysis written by an analyst so passionately involved with her craft. Dr. Hunter's heartfelt interviews, with 11 internationally prominent analysts, are fascinating and informative. These dialogues stimulated me to reflect upon how my personal history and transference to theory continue to influence my work with patients. There is a treasure chest of wisdom in this volume, from multiple theoretical perspectives, addressing controversial and crucial psychoanalytic issues. Any analyst or psychodynamic therapist will be enriched by immersion in Dr. Hunter's creative volume." --David M. Davis, M.D., University of California--Irvine
"Psychoanalysts Talk is unique, in that eleven well known psychoanalysts comment on the same session--thereby flushing from their theories a more precise sense of their individual visions of a patient--but it is a remarkable read because each analyst is skillfully interviewed by Virginia Hunter, who brings each of these interesting clinicians to life. They tell us of their childhoods and the trainings that led them to psychoanalysis. They discuss their analyses and their psychoanalytical educations with refreshing candor. Hunter's gift is 'lively interviewing' as she brings out the strengths and the weaknesses of each of her subjects, transforming these encounters into fascinating insights into the differing characters of those she meets. The book is remarkably informative and I cannot imagine psychoanalysts and psychotherapists without it. I am certain that it will become an invaluable resource for psychoanalytic education." --Christopher Bollas, Ph.D.
"Readers of Psychoanalysts Talk are in for a treat. Transcripts and discussions of in-depth interviews of eleven leading psychoanalytic thinkers, exploring their personal and professional backgrounds and their reactions to a case presented by Dr. Hunter, provide a fascinating view of the contemporary psychoanalytic landscape and a glimpse into the profoundly intersubjective nature of the psychoanalytic enterprise. This book will be of great interest to students and practitioners of psychoanalytic therapy." --Robert D. Stolorow, Ph.D.
"Excellent."
"Hunter provides in-depth interview portraits of eleven contemporary psychoanalytic thinkers, exploring their personal and professional background, and their reactions to a case presented by Hunter, which gives a glimpse of the profoundly collaborative and intersubjective nature of psychoanalysis. Each interview offers some important and otherwise not readily available information on these leaders in current psychoanalytical thought. Recommended." -- The Reader's Review
"This book is an unexpected pleasure."
"To hear important analysts speak their minds about the same patient (without the polarizing dogmatism that accompanies similar discussions at live forums such as analytic conferences) is an especially helpful tool in developing an understanding of the practical differences among the various theories the espouse. I recommend its acquisition." -- Doody's Annual
" Psychoanalysts Talk should become a popular book among analytic practitioners, and it could be a useful tool in psychoanalytic education." Psychoanalytic Books
"Virginia Hunter has written an easily readable, yet enlightening book. She allows us to visit and appreciate 11 leading analysts in their own chamber of psychoanalytic insights and touch their unique perspectives....This book is a beautiful mirror for self-reflection as to one's own psychoanalytic practice.... Hunter has given us an excellent volume, and a rare opportunity to understand the thinking of 11 noted analysts of diverse backgrounds. Reading this book is not only anenjoyable experience for psychoanalysts, but an appealing learning opportunity for interested lay readers....this book offers the reader a profoundly enriching experience." -- The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis
"Excellent."
"Hunter provides in-depth interview portraits of eleven contemporary psychoanalytic thinkers, exploring their personal and professional background, and their reactions to a case presented by Hunter, which gives a glimpse of the profoundly collaborative and intersubjective nature of psychoanalysis. Each interview offers some important and otherwise not readily available information on these leaders in current psychoanalytical thought. Recommended." --"The Reader's Review"
"This book is an unexpected pleasure."
"To hear important analysts speak their minds about the same patient (without the polarizing dogmatism that accompanies similar discussions at live forums such as analytic conferences) is an especially helpful tool in developing an understanding of the practical differences among the various theories the espouse. I recommend its acquisition." --"Doody's Annual"
""Psychoanalysts Talk" should become a popular book among analytic practitioners, and it could be a useful tool in psychoanalytic education." "Psychoanalytic Books"
"Virginia Hunter has written an easily readable, yet enlightening book. She allows us to visit and appreciate 11 leading analysts in their own chamber of psychoanalytic insights and touch their unique perspectives....This book is a beautiful mirror for self-reflection as to one's own psychoanalytic practice.... Hunter has given us an excellent volume, and a rare opportunity to understand the thinking of 11 noted analysts of diverse backgrounds. Reading this book is not only an enjoyable experience for psychoanalysts, but an appealing learning opportunity for interested lay readers....this book offers the reader a profoundlyenriching experience." --"The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis"
